Clinton greets Afghans on Independence Day, Eid

WASHINGTON (PAN): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday greeted the people and government of Afghanistan on celebrating their independence day on the eve of Eidul Fitr.

“As you celebrate your 93rd year of independence, know that the people of the United States stand with you and that we look forward to even greater cooperation in the years ahead, Eid Mubarak to all of Afghanistan’s proud citizens,” Clinton said in an independent day message on behalf of the US President.

Noting that the friendship between the two nations forged in mutual respect and shared interests, Clinton said the US was proud to be supporting the Afghan people as they continued to build a more peaceful, secure, prosperous, and democratic future, especially this year with Afghan forces increasingly leading in securing that future.

“I have seen the inspiring progress made across Afghanistan in many sectors, including health, education, women’s rights, rule of law, trade and commerce. During my many visits, I have seen firsthand the better life you are creating for your children and grandchildren,” she said.

Working together this past year, both Afghanistan and the United States took steps to ensure that these strides are sustained, she said.

In May, the US and Afghanistan signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which provides a strong foundation for an enduring partnership across the board in areas of security, economic and social development, strengthening institutions and bolstering regional stability, she said.

“And in July, I was pleased to announce in Kabul that President Obama designated Afghanistan as a major non-NATO ally of the United States – another important symbol of our commitment to your future,” Clinton said.